After a “ rocky “ start to November fishing, the tunas, rock , and river opportunities have reminded us of how really lucky we are to be on the Eastern Shore.
The seaside coast has provided good seabass , and tog fishing which have led to tight lines and tasty dinner plates. However, the bluefin have stolen the spotlight, and tested anglers strength and skill. These big blue bullet shaped trophies have taken heavy chute style lures ahead of ballyhoo trolled well beyond the transom. Blue, white, pink , and chartreuse combos like bleeding dolphin have been the most impressive color combinations to entice a palegic to the dinner plate. Whether it’s bottom fishing or bluefining, it’s time to look to the Atlantic this autumn.
The Chesapeake has mainly transformed from a spotted “red” sunset of early autumn to a striped sunrise of winter. After a slow start we have finally earned our stripes with quality rock showing up around the shallow structure of the Tangier sound. We have had the most striped success on suspending slashbaits like Rap-10’s.
These baits ripped over the structure and stopped for a pause, leaves a tantalizing treat that is irresistible to its striped pursuers. Most fish have been in the 19-24 inch slot with a few overs. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been many unders which is a failing future forecast.
The panfish of the Pocomoke are ready to play. Last week Dean-o and myself pursued a panoramic purse of pickerel, bass , yellow perch bluegill, blue cats, and a bunch of crappie for a 6 species creel. We used the typical trolling tactics which tempt tantalizing bite sized trophies to the dinner plate. 2” twister tails tipped with small minnows did the trick in short order. The fish were fairly shallow and tight to structure on a falling tide.
It doesn’t matter if you desire a tangle with a tuna, or a shallowater striped struggle, or even a frying pan full of Pocomoke panfish… the opportunity is just a cast away, so grab a jacket, get out there, and enjoy this wonderful place we call home!
The seaside coast has provided good seabass , and tog fishing which have led to tight lines and tasty dinner plates. However, the bluefin have stolen the spotlight, and tested anglers strength and skill. These big blue bullet shaped trophies have taken heavy chute style lures ahead of ballyhoo trolled well beyond the transom. Blue, white, pink , and chartreuse combos like bleeding dolphin have been the most impressive color combinations to entice a palegic to the dinner plate. Whether it’s bottom fishing or bluefining, it’s time to look to the Atlantic this autumn.
The Chesapeake has mainly transformed from a spotted “red” sunset of early autumn to a striped sunrise of winter. After a slow start we have finally earned our stripes with quality rock showing up around the shallow structure of the Tangier sound. We have had the most striped success on suspending slashbaits like Rap-10’s.
These baits ripped over the structure and stopped for a pause, leaves a tantalizing treat that is irresistible to its striped pursuers. Most fish have been in the 19-24 inch slot with a few overs. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been many unders which is a failing future forecast.
The panfish of the Pocomoke are ready to play. Last week Dean-o and myself pursued a panoramic purse of pickerel, bass , yellow perch bluegill, blue cats, and a bunch of crappie for a 6 species creel. We used the typical trolling tactics which tempt tantalizing bite sized trophies to the dinner plate. 2” twister tails tipped with small minnows did the trick in short order. The fish were fairly shallow and tight to structure on a falling tide.
It doesn’t matter if you desire a tangle with a tuna, or a shallowater striped struggle, or even a frying pan full of Pocomoke panfish… the opportunity is just a cast away, so grab a jacket, get out there, and enjoy this wonderful place we call home!
Well the rock fishing had been a little spotty and the spot-tail fishing has been a bit rocky…or maybe it’s the other way around. Either way, fishing the Chesapeake has been tough! We have been targeting rock and reds in the shallows of the Tangier and Pocomoke sounds. While being a far cry from previous starts to November, there is still some sounds of drags screaming and fish flopping on the deck. For us, the majority of fish have been adorn with stripes. However, Captain C L of Tangier Sound Charters has been able to stay with the reds. He claims it’s skill … I just can’t believe how good his posture is, considering where he stores his horseshoe!!!The fish have been on shallow grass flats and structures, both natural and man made. Shrimp imitations have been productive on the flats while rap-10’s have lured fish from the haunts of Chesapeake structure.
The big news on the Atlantic has been the start of a fall bluefin blitz. The fish have been spotted and caught from 10-25 miles off the coast of the eastern shore. Slow trolled ballyhoo behind islander style skirts have seemed to do the trick. Don’t forget to grab some squid for seabass just in case the tuna are tight lipped.
Today I was lucky enough to take out Mr Dave and his son John ( former owner Of Aqua-clear tackle) on a popping cork excursion that left us with positive pullage that brought spot-tail smiles. As I watched a father spend time with his son and the sun sink into the November horizon, I was reminded of how blessed we are to live in this wonderful place we call home!
The big news on the Atlantic has been the start of a fall bluefin blitz. The fish have been spotted and caught from 10-25 miles off the coast of the eastern shore. Slow trolled ballyhoo behind islander style skirts have seemed to do the trick. Don’t forget to grab some squid for seabass just in case the tuna are tight lipped.
Today I was lucky enough to take out Mr Dave and his son John ( former owner Of Aqua-clear tackle) on a popping cork excursion that left us with positive pullage that brought spot-tail smiles. As I watched a father spend time with his son and the sun sink into the November horizon, I was reminded of how blessed we are to live in this wonderful place we call home!
